Bryce,

If you want to be a mental health counselor, there’s no avoiding going back to school. You’ll need at least a master’s degree, and then there’s the study for the state license.

I did learn a lot in school, and then I learned a lot after school. My first internship with my supervisor was invaluable, and I’ve continued to learn and grow. It’s a life-long process. My psychotherapy clients have also taught me because from them I learned what works and what doesn’t.

Then there’s the ability to tune into people, which is so important. In order to heal and grow in therapy, people must feel understood by their therapist.

Good luck with your decision.

Debra Holland, M.S., Ph.D. M.F.T